DESERT TORTOISE CONSERVATION CENTER.

SEC. 1461. [16 U.S.C. 670g note] DESERT TORTOISE CONSERVATION CENTER. (a) In General.—The Secretary shall establish, operate, and maintain a trans-State desert tortoise conservation center (referred to in this section as the “Center”) on public land along the California-Nevada border— (1) to support desert tortoise research, disease monitoring, handling training, rehabilitation, and reintroduction; (2) to provide temporary quarters for animals collected from authorized salvage from renewable energy sites; and (3) to ensure the full recovery and ongoing survival of the species. (b) Center.—In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall— (1) seek the participation of or contract with qualified organizations with expertise in desert tortoise disease research and experience with desert tortoise translocation techniques, and scientific training of professional biologists for handling tortoises, to staff and manage the Center; (2) ensure that the Center engages in public outreach and education on tortoise handling; and (3) consult with the State and the State of Nevada to ensure that the Center is operated consistent with State law. (c) Non-Federal Contributions.—The Secretary may accept and expend contributions of non-Federal funds to establish, operate, and maintain the Center.